Understanding Building Regulations for Homeowners

The person carrying out the building work and the owner of the building are responsible for making sure building regulations are followed.

To apply for buildings regulations approval, you will need to contact a building control body (BCB). There are two options:

• Local authority BCBs – you apply for approval from your local council

• Private BCBs – you apply for approval from a private inspector

There are different types of applications for different work. Full plans are for larger projects and building notice are for smaller projects. If you have work that was carried out without consent you can apple for regularisation from a local authority BCB to check if the work complies.  

Full plans usually take within 5 weeks for a decision. This can be extended up to 2 months with your permission.

With building notice you do not receive formal approval as with full plans, you are able to begin work 2 days after you submit your building notice.